01/20/2010

This just came in my mailbox. Haven't even had time to digest the information and make a response but here is the text:

EMERGENCY RULE CHANGE

Due to the change in Masters swimwear rules published by FINA January 16, 2010, andpursuant to Article 601.4.8, the USMS Rules Committee and the USMS ExecutiveCommittee have approved the following emergency changes to the USMS swimwearrules. These changes are effective immediately for short course meters and long coursemeters competition. The changes are effective June 1, 2010 for short course yardscompetition. Note that the new swimwear rules no longer allow modesty/privacy wearunderneath the competition suit nor zippers or fasteners of any kind except for a waist tieon a brief or jammer. The new swimwear rules will not govern the One Hour Swimbeing conducted January 2010.

Changes to the swimwear rules are underlined below.

102.14 SWIMWEAR

102.14.1
Design-The swimsuits worn for competition shall be nontransparent and
conform to the current concept of the appropriate. The referee shall
have authority to bar offenders from competition until they comply with
this rule.

102.14.2 Swimwear shall include only a swimsuit, cap
and goggles (a nose clip and ear plugs are allowed). Arm bands or leg
bands shall not be regarded as parts of the swimsuit and are not
allowed.

102.14.3 In swimming competitions, the competitor
must wear only one swimsuit in one or two pieces. All swimsuits shall
be made from textile materials. Except for open water competitions, for
men, the swimsuit shall not extend above the navel nor below the knees,
and for women, shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor
extend below the knees.

102.14.4 Only swimsuits complying with
FINA swimsuit specifications may be worn in any U.S. Masters Swimming
sanctioned or recognized competition.

102.14.5 Exemptions to
the foregoing restrictions may be granted to a swimmer, on a case by
case basis, by the Chair of the Rules Committee or designee. Exemptions
will be granted only for conflicts due to the swimmer's verified
religious beliefs or verified medical conditions.

A Procedures
for applying for an exemption will be established by the Rules
Committee and posted on the U.S. Masters Swimming website.B No exemption to these restrictions will be granted for a swimsuit that will give the swimmer a competitive advantage.C
The decision of the Rules Chair may be appealed only to the entire
Rules Committee whose decision shall be final and binding on all
parties.

102.14.6 Swimmers are not permitted to wear or use any
device or substance or swimsuit to help their speed, pace, buoyancy or
endurance during a race (such as webbed gloves, flippers, fins, etc.).
Goggles may be worn, and rubdown oil applied if not considered
excessive by the Referee. Any kind of tape on the body is not permitted
unless approved by the Referee.

102.14.7 Advertising-Products
involving tobacco, alcohol or pharmaceuticals containing drugs banned
under IOC or FINA rules may not be advertised, but the advertiser's
name only may be used. Offenders may be barred from competition until
they comply with this rule.

For any questions contact:Kathy Casey, ChairUSMS Rules Committeerules@usms.orgYou may also view the Emergency Rule Change at usms.org.

Here is the link to the pdf of the above text that is avial at usms.org